FOSTERING THE FUTURE (2005 - 2011)

Fostering the Future is a six-year social venture fund launched by the Center for Venture Philanthropy to catalyze systemic change on behalf of our community's foster children. In 2004, the State of California launched an ambitious new plan for child welfare reform following the state's failure of a federal review. San Mateo County joined 10 other counties to pioneer this system reform. Like other social venture funds, this initiative applies a joint investment strategy in order to transform our community’s children and foster and kinship care.

To learn more about Fostering the Future, contact cvp@siliconvalleycf.org .

Program Goals

Fostering the Future's core values are embodied by the passion of three asset coaches, a legal advocate and two housing advocates. Utilizing the talents, experiences and passion of three “asset coaches” and a housing advocate, the Center for Venture Philanthropy and its community and governmental partners seek to achieve significant gains in the following areas:

• Academic Performance: Youth improve academic performance through better access to services and an enhanced support network.
• Independent Living Skills: Youth demonstrate independent living skills linked to job training and practical financial education.
• Self-Advocacy: Youth and caregivers learn how to speak out on their own behalf, standing up for their rights and taking responsibility for their lives.
• Permanent Relationships: Youth develop permanent, lifelong relationships with caring adults and a sense of belonging to a community.
• Parenting Skills: Caregivers demonstrate enhanced skills to nurture these young people.
• Housing: Youth are able to secure, maintain and retain housing that is both safe and stable.
• Legal Support: Youth have legal support for and increased knowledge of civil legal issues that impact their education, health, personal goals and ability to live independently.

Our Partners

The Center for Venture Philanthropy has several nonprofit partners in this social venture fund, including Edgewood Center, Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, and Youth and Family Enrichment Services.

Get Involved

Individuals and foundations are invited to invest in Fostering the Future. All investors receive quarterly target summaries that track progress toward the fund’s goals. They also have the opportunity to join the investment council, a forum for problem-solving with nonprofit partners and the Center for Venture Philanthropy staff. Contact us at info@siliconvalleycf.org.